Pakistan Dismisses Recognition Of Taliban As ‘Speculation’
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed reports suggesting imminent recognition of the Taliban administration, calling the matter “speculation.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed reports suggesting imminent recognition of the Taliban administration, calling the matter “speculation.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan made the remarks during a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, where he also confirmed that Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Pakistan, with dates to be announced soon.
During the Taliban’s first rule in the 1990s, Pakistan, along with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, formally recognised the group. However, none of these countries have extended official recognition to the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021. Current diplomatic engagement remains limited. Russia is the only country known to have recently recognised the Taliban administration.
Khan stated that talks with the Taliban leadership are ongoing, and discussions are focused on security cooperation. He also provided further details about the recent visit to Kabul by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who held meetings with senior Taliban officials.
Key topics during those meetings included cross-border security and the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of allowing TTP fighters to operate from Afghan soil and launch attacks into Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban have consistently denied.
Khan said Taliban officials acknowledged Pakistan’s security concerns, though the group maintains that Islamabad is responsible for addressing its internal security challenges.
Tensions between the two sides have remained high in recent years, with frequent clashes between border forces in areas such as Torkham, Spin Boldak, and Dand Wa Patan.
Despite strained relations, diplomatic ties have advanced, with the Taliban recently upgrading their mission in Islamabad from chargé d’affaires to ambassadorial level. The move followed a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, and the Taliban held in Beijing earlier this year.
